The ongoing commitment to the local armed forces community in Bromley has led to a bronze award accreditation, being one of just twelve London authorities to receive this accolade.
As support continues to be developed across the borough, the Council received the Bronze Award through the Employer Recognition Scheme from the Ministry of Defence. This follows a re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant last year, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to supporting veterans, service personnel and their families.
Councillor Mike Botting, Armed Forces Champion and Mayor of Bromley said: “We owe so much to those who serve in our armed forces and I have been proud of the support for this community that we have been developing in Bromley. This welcome award recognises our efforts made through the start of our journey, which we will continue to build on, including through working with partners, who I encourage to also sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant. It is important that we continue to work together to ensure those who have served and their families feel welcomed and supported across Bromley.”
As part of the Council’s Remembrance Day commemorations last year, a special interview with 102-year old RAF veteran Peter Lemon was released, in which Peter shared his incredible ‘Stories from Bromley’ with the Mayor, including of his near-death experiences during the war. Find out more at www.bromley.gov.uk/Remembrance.
The Council is working to identify further needs and opportunities for the armed forces community and develop support accordingly. While much is still in progress, a growing information hub, of support and opportunities for members of the armed forces community has been made available on the council website, which includes advice and support about housing, employment, finance, health and education, as well as details of veterans meetings and events. Find out more at www.bromley.gov.uk/ArmedForces.
Of all the London boroughs, Bromley has the largest percentage of military veterans, with 2.5 per cent of Bromley residents having served in the Armed forces. The borough also has dedicated Army Cadet, Air Training and Sea Cadet Corps providing life skills, training and friendship for younger members of the community across the borough.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk